Manx Care failed to inform the public or the Department of Health and Social Care after its board decided to extend the weekend closure of the Ramsey Minor Injury and Illness Unit.
It made the decision to close it at weekends for a further six months from 14 May 2025, the Health Minister has confirmed.
Claire Christian apologised to Tynwald for the lack of communication, which also meant the requirements of Section 8 of the Manx Care Act, mandating public consultation on service changes, were not met.
Ms Christian told members: “We do rely, as I said, on Manx care informing us, for us to be able to do that, and in that was in this case, that’s what happened. We weren’t informed.”
The decision was made by the Manx Care board after its executive team recommended the extension due to nursing shortages. Evidence showed there were “fewer nurses than were required to keep both units open safely seven days per week”.
Failure
In response to the failure, MHK Lawrie Hooper said, “It is the department that, in law, is required to make sure there is provision that the public are informed.”
Minister Christian added: “We have fallen short of that. And I apologise for that to this court.” She confirmed she will be writing to Manx Care to remind them of their legal duties.
Manx Care is now exploring a partial weekend reopening from mid-November, offering morning hours and x-ray provision if staffing allows.